NHL
NHL

Oliver Ekman-Larsson's maximum fine sparks NHL hit debate

It seems that now everyone is under fire

Toronto Maple Leafs right wing William Nylander (88) celebrates his...
Toronto Maple Leafs right wing William Nylander (88) celebrates his goal with teammates Oliver Ekman-Larsson (95) and Max Domi (11) during the second period of a NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, in Toronto, Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

It was a good game for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday as they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 it what seemed to be a normal encounter. But it turns out that a hard fine is in place and this has started a heated controversial debate.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is the recipient of that fine and it comes as the result of a reverse hit on Jake Guentzel. The league decided to sanction the Toronto player with the maximum fine allowed under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement.

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This means that Ekman-Larsson will be fined $5,000, as the hit was classified as "interference" by the league's Department of Player Safety, as they publicly explained on the X .

Painting the controversial picture

Th hit by Oliver Ekman-Larsson took place in the final period of the game, as he lined up Jake Guentzel for a hit in the neutral zone. On the ice the play resulted in a minor penalty as the Maple Leafs led 5-1 at the time.

The interesting thing is what happened afterwards, as many started a debate on social media about what should be allowed and legal in of reverse hits in the NHL. Many have expressed their opinion.

Former NHL defenseman Calo Colaiacovo was not happy about this, as he showed his of the Toronto player, not liking the fine. But NHL insider Ray Ferraro expressed the exact opposite as this controversy has started and it doesn't seem like it will stop anytime soon.

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